(MENAFN) Iran has reiterated that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and remains open to a peaceful agreement with the United States, the country’s deputy foreign minister said Tuesday.

Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Forum, Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that Tehran’s nuclear activities are purely peaceful and rely on domestic capabilities.

“Nuclear weapons are not part of Iran’s program,” said Khatibzadeh, who also heads the Foreign Ministry’s Center for Public Diplomacy.

However, he accused Washington of sending “contradictory messages about Iran’s nuclear negotiations through third parties.”

Khatibzadeh noted that any potential deal with the US would proceed only under the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has repeatedly called for dialogue grounded in mutual respect.

“Iran will not compromise on its national security issues,” he stressed.

His remarks come as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington remain stalled following Israeli attacks in mid-June — just two days before the planned sixth round of negotiations mediated by Oman.

Tehran has blamed Washington for the strikes, which triggered a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel that killed more than 1,000 people, including senior Iranian commanders.

On Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei echoed Khamenei’s stance, saying Iran’s approach to the US is shaped by “long historical experience.”

“Some suggest Iran should take unilateral ‘bold steps’ while ignoring America’s aggression and regional behavior, but this is incorrect,” Baghaei said. “The US attacked Iran, boasts about it, and then claims readiness for negotiations.”

MENAFN11112025000045017281ID1110326613